Gion Matsuri Festival

Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) is the largest and oldest Japanese festival, celebrated annually in Kyoto during the month of July. Associated with the Yasaka Shrine, this festival is not only an important cultural event in Japan, but also a unique opportunity for tourists to witness traditional Japanese rituals, culture and art.

History of the Festival

The Gion Festival dates back to 869. At the time, Japan was facing epidemics that claimed thousands of lives and plunged the country into an economic crisis. In an effort to stop the diseases and gain the support of the gods, the politician Fujiwara no Mototsune demolished his house and ordered the construction of a Buddhist temple dedicated to the deity Gozu Tennō, who was believed to ward off disease. This deity was later identified with the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and the temple became part of the Gion-jinja, now known as Yasaka-jinja.

To appease the gods and ward off evil forces, a ritual involving 66 halberds - one for each prefecture of Japan at the time - was performed by the emperor in the imperial garden at Shinsen-en. In addition, a mikoshi (sacred palanquin, the abode of the gods) was carried from Gion-shya through the streets of the city for the same purpose: to seek the gods' salvation. The festival has been held annually since 970 and has grown into a complex and large-scale event.

Festival in the Edo Period

It was during the Edo period (1603-1868) that the Gion Matsuri took on its final form. This development reflected the cultural and economic prosperity of Kyoto, then the center of Japanese arts and crafts. Merchants financed the construction of the festival platforms by importing fabrics and materials from China, India and other countries, giving the platforms a distinctive appearance.

It was also at this time that the tradition of parading the platforms in two stages was established: Saki Matsuri (17 July) and Ato Matsuri (24 July). This rhythm is still observed today, with each part of the parade accompanied by various rituals and activities.

The Main Events of the Festival

Gion Matsuri is not just a parade of dashi (platforms); it encompasses a wide range of events that take place throughout the month. The main activities take place in mid-July and culminate in two major parades.

Yamaboko Junkyo - Platform Parade

The most iconic event of the festival is the Yamaboko Platform Parade. The platforms are divided into two types: yama and hoko.

Yama are wooden platforms weighing up to 2 tonnes, carried by a team of porters. They are decorated with umbrellas and sculptures of historical figures.

Hoko (chariots symbolising halberds) are much larger platforms, reaching heights of up to 25 metres and weighing up to 12 tonnes. They are decorated with antique tapestries and fabrics. On their roofs, performers conduct rituals, dance, play music characteristic of each hoko and throw timaki (bamboo talismans) to promote health and well-being.

The parade takes place 2 times a month.

• Saki Matsuri: This major parade, dedicated to welcoming the deities of the Yasaka Shrine, takes place on the 17th of July. Streets in the Karasuma and Shijo districs begin to be blocked off for the event as early as the 13th, allowing residents to walk around and view the platforms that will be part of the parade until the 16th.
• Ato Matsuri: The second parade, slightly smaller in scale, takes place on 24 July. This part of the festival symbolizes the ritual of bidding farewell to the deities before their return to the Yasaka Shrine. Although there are fewer platforms in this procession, it retains its traditional identity.

Rituals at the Yasaka Shrine

A month before the festival, on 11 June, the Yasaka Shrine holds an initiation ritual for the role of the tigo, a servant boy responsible for communicating with the gods during the parade. The tigo is carefully selected from wealthy families. Throughout the festival, the shrine also hosts various purification and worship rituals to appease the gods and protect the city.

Yoiyama - Night Festival Events

On the nights before the parades (14-16 July and 21-23 July), Kyoto hosts the festive events known as Yoiyama. During this time, the streets of the city are closed tomotorized traffic, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Residents and tourists alike stroll through the lantern-lit streets and have the opportunity to view the yamaboko platforms up close. Many of these platforms have their own pavilions displaying the unique artwork used in their decoration. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs, Japanese street food and drinks during these lively nights.

As well as being a religious ritual, Gion Matsuri is a major cultural event that attracts tourists from all over the world. Throughout the month of July, Kyoto is transformed into a hub of Japanese culture, where ancient and modern traditions blend beautifully. The festival fosters cultural ties, as many of the families involved in creating the platforms have passed on their skills from generation to generation. It also plays an important role in preserving Japan's national identity and traditions. With hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Gion Matsuri is one of the most visited festivals in Japan.